Local bands will play at New Boston Barn Dance

Get ready for some hot rock and roll as New Boston's 82nd annual Fourth of July celebration kicks off Saturday night at 8 p.m., with the annual Barn Dance featuring Cider Press and Second Alarm.

"Both bands are local and play some great rock and roll," said Laura Todd, chairman of the Barn Dance Committee. "Cider Press has been playing for us for many, many, many years."

Second Alarm, founded in 2012, features New Boston firefighters Capt. Michael Boyle on guitar, Capt. Brandon Merron on bass, Lt. Joe Segien on banjo, firefighter Clete Pierce on lead guitar and vocals, and firefighter Craig Fahey on drums, keyboard and lead vocals."The idea of a fireman's band came after an outstanding karaoke performance from firefighter John Hassum at one of our fire department outings. He had us in stitches with his take on a Taylor Swift song. Soon after, I began searching through the ranks for any talent. I thought it would be cool to one-up John's performance with a few rock songs," said Boyle, who has played guitar since college.

The band started playing in 2012 at the firefighters' summer outing, and continues to play local gigs."One year later, we have a three-and-half hour show of upbeat classic rock dance songs. We have performed at local taverns and private parties and now have a regular show at Molly's Tavern in New Boston," Boyle said.

Cider Press is also a New Boston-based band covering music from the '60s, '70s and '80s.

The barn dance takes place at Langdell Arena, located at the Hillsborough County Youth Center on Route 13, formerly the 4-H fairgrounds.

The dance is sponsored by Amoskeag Auction Company.

"It's a barn dance held in a barn, but it's mainly rock and roll, not line dancing — but people do that, too," Todd said. "The barn dance is a lot of fun, extremely casual and very friendly."

The dance attracts about 300 people annually.

Dancers should bring their own beverages, and popcorn will be available for purchase.

"People bring their own coolers and have a lot of fun," Todd said.Tickets are $10 at the door and proceeds benefit the Fourth of July Association and the Hillsborough County Youth Center. There will also be a 50/50 raffle.